Leopard UTML Ultratrail Mullerthal

Trail running (and hiking) Luxembourg style

If you like setting yourself challenging running or hiking goals, the Ultratrail Mullerthal is for you. Five races for athletes of all ages and ability will be held on 8th September 2018 in Luxembourg’s spectacular “Little Switzerland” region.

Trial running has emerged as a recognised sport over the last two decades, and races have tended to be organised in dramatic, somewhat extreme settings such as mountain areas or deserts.

The Grand Duchy offers a unique contribution to the range of events on offer in Europe. First staged in 2016, the Ultratrail Mullerthal is an event open to all types of athlete, with races going from 15km (9 miles) to 112km (70 miles). A difference is that participants have up to 21.5 hours to complete the course, rather than the stringent time limits enforced by some event organisers. Participants can either run or walk, and there are also races for children.

Although the Grand Duchy lacks high peaks, each trail features substantial climbs. The Mullerthal is known as Little Switzerland thanks to its stunning hilly woodland and open countryside, crossed with numerous rivers and streams, and dotted with fascinating rock formations, plus the occasional medieval castle.

The elite event is the “Ultra Trail”, run over 112km (70 miles) with more than 2,700m (8,850ft) of incline. Interestingly, the race begins at five minutes past midnight on 8th September, with up to 250 racers having a maximum of 21.5 hours to complete the race. That said, the fastest man in 2017 recorded a time of 11:03:14, with the women’s event being won in 17:29:13.

Still very challenging is the 75km (47 miles) “Long Trail” with 1,900m (6,225ft) of gradient, which starts at 6am, and with 15.5 hours maximum to complete the race. The “Trail” is 35km (22 miles) long and rises 1,100m (3,600 feet) with an 11.5 hour time limit. Finally, the “Shorty-Trail” is 15km (9 miles) with 700m (2,300 feet) of hills. There are also special events for children as young as six: two “Kids Adventure” runs.

“We wanted to create an event which would challenge the best athletes, but also provide opportunities for less committed runners and hikers of all ages,” explained Simone Kayser, one of Luxembourg’s leading ultratrail athletes and a co-founder of the Mullerthal Ultratrail. They also wanted to make the race family-friendly, and promote the Little Switzerland region.

The event provides everything elite competitors need, with regular food and drink stops, plus the opportunity to compete for qualification points for top-level UTMB races. Fun-runners and hikers benefit from this organisation too. Local hotels and hostels are working with the organisers to offer participants and their families the accommodation they need. Spectators are also welcome.

Mullerthal Trail Season Opening

The hiking event Mullerthal Trail Season Opening launches the start of the hiking season this year, on Sunday 5 May in Consdorf.

The guided hikes start at three different points at 9 o'clock on sunday. All routes lead integrally over the Mullerthal Trail to Consdorf. It is also possible to hike without the guide.

The following tours will be offered:

Junglinster-Consdorf. Start is at the church in Junglinster. Parking spots are situated next to the commune and the school. The highlights of the 17.4 km which stretches over Blumendall are Kallektuffquell, Schiessentümpel and Goldfralee rocks.

Beaufort Consdorf. Start is at the castle of Beaufort. Participants can use the parking in front of the castle. The route is 12.5 km long and leads over the picturesque Haupeschbaach and Halerbaach via Heringer Millen to Consdorf.

The tour Bech-Consdorf can be called the family route. Parking is available at the starting point Becher Gare. The absolute highlight of the 7.6 km long route is the sinister crevice Kuelscheier, just before you arrive in Consdorf.

When the first hikers arrive in Consdorf around noon, an entertainment program awaits them with many highlights: Concert aperitif, bouncy castle and horse-drawn carriage of the Nature and Forest Administration. A geological hike is scheduled from 14.30 clock from Consdorf. The local clubs from Consdorf ensure the well-being of the guests. Different stands offer local products and information on the natural and tourist attractions of the area will be given.

Shuttle buses take the hikers back to their starting points from 1 pm on.

To register in advance with the tourist office of the Mullerthal Region – Luxembourg’s Little Switzerland with indication of the desired hiking route is requested.

The hiking offer as well as the shuttle buses and entertainment are free of charge.